Cotton Applauds DOJ and DEA Response to Poppy Seed Inquiry

November 8, 2018

Washington, D.C. - Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today released the following statement after the Department of Justice and the Drug Enforcement Agency responded to his September 12, 2018 inquiry on the sale of morphine-laced unwashed poppy seeds which resulted in the death of Stephen Hacala Jr. from Fayetteville, Arkansas:

"I'm pleased that the Department of Justice, and the Drug Enforcement Agency confirmed that they are investigating the unlawful sale of morphine-laced raw poppy seeds. They are a little-recognized, but critical aspect of the opioid crisis, and I look forward to working with the administration to ensure no other families experience the pain the Hacala family has endured."

In their response, the Department of Justice and the Drug Enforcement Agency agreed to investigate the Hacala family's case. They also confirmed that selling poppy straw along with seeds may be a violation of the Controlled Substances Act, and could result in serious criminal penalties. Click here to read their response in full.